The Chimes School Is Coming To Wicomico County

SALISBURY, Md. — The Chimes School is coming to the Eastern Shore.

Wednesday morning, community members and local leaders gathered to tour the future site of the school and discuss what’s in store for its new Wicomico County location.

The school will be Chimes’ second location on Delmarva. Its first is in Millsboro, Delaware.

Chimes President and CEO Steve DeRe said there is a significant need for specialized educational services on the Eastern Shore, with about 7,700 students with disabilities in the area.

DeRe said it has been encouraging to see the community rally around the new school, but more work remains before the facility can open.

“We are talking to all of the elected officials here in Maryland. But nonetheless, we’re going to be going to the governor. All of the state legislative officials are on board and we’ve also got with the federal government through Van Hollen and also broke a federal earmark. So that is going to help us take this building and reimagine it into the great school that it’s going to be in a year or so.”

For families already connected to Chimes, the program has made a difference.

Andy Pape, whose son attends the program, said he has seen his son flourish.

Pape said every student and parent should have access to educational methods tailored to their individual needs.

“It was, hey, we’re gonna try something new tomorrow. Today is going to work, but we’re going to try something new tomorrow,” Pape said. “For me, just as a parent, going through, just like schools were like, hey, we tried it. We’re done. You know, they didn’t work for us. But it’s like, hey, they’re not throwing in the towel. They’re picking out a new technique. They’re going to try something different tomorrow, then get them back out. You know, today’s the new day.”

The new Wicomico County location is expected to open in about a year as work continues to transform the building into a school.